The Impact of Oral Nutritional Supplements on the Nutritional Status of Elderly Patients

The aim of the study was to compare nutritional status of two groups of elderly patients (> 65 years old). Total of 120 patients were randomly assigned into two groups. One group received normal diet whereas the second group received 300 kcal nutritional support (Nutridrink Multi Fibre 2x100 ml) between meals for 14 days. Two months after start of the intervention following examinations were performed:

• functional status of the patient (Barthel's scale, MMSE scale)
• nutritional status based on: weight, height, BMI; Mini Nutritional Assessment, plasma concentration of prealbumin, albumin, transferrin, total lymphocyte count.

The clinical status of the patient was evaluated based on clinical data on different organ infections. In addition costs of supplementary nutrition were taken into consideration.

Inclusion criteria

• age > 65 and general status which enables compliance with study requirements
• Barthel's scale (Barthel scale = Barthel ADL index - an ordinal scale used to measure performance in activities of daily living) points 21-100
• MMSE (Mini Mental State Examination) points 24-30
• no use of laxatives

Exclusion criteria

• lack of consent
• neoplasms
• previous enteral nutrition
• Barthel's scale 0-20
• MMSE points 0-23
• BMI > 25
• laxatives